John Poulett, 4th Earl Poulett facts for kids
John Poulett, 4th Earl Poulett (born April 3, 1756 – died January 14, 1819) was an important British nobleman and military leader. He was known as Viscount Hinton for many years before he became an Earl. As an Earl, he was a member of the British peerage, which is a group of people with special titles and roles in society.
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Early Life and Family
John Poulett was the son of Vere Poulett, 3rd Earl Poulett, and Mary Butt. His mother's family was from a place called Arlington, Gloucestershire. He grew up in a noble family, which meant he had a high social standing.
Military Service and Leadership
John Poulett had a long and active career in the military, helping to defend Britain.
Leading the Militia
From 1779 to 1798, he was a Colonel (a high-ranking officer) of the East Devon Militia. The militia was a group of citizens who were trained to defend their local area. This group was actively involved in protecting Britain from 1779 until 1783.
Taking on More Roles
In 1788, John Poulett became the 4th Earl Poulett after his father passed away. This meant he inherited his father's title and responsibilities.
In 1792, he was chosen to be the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset. This was a very important job, as he was the King's official representative in the county of Somerset. He held this position until he died. He also served as a judge in Bridgwater.
Continued Service
The East Devon Militia was called into active service again in 1794. John Poulett continued to lead them as their Colonel. He also became a Colonel of the Somersetshire Fencible Cavalry. This was another type of local defense force.
On May 30, 1794, he was honored with a special award. He became a Knight of the Thistle, which is a very old and respected order of chivalry.
Serving the King
In 1795, he was appointed a Lord of the Bedchamber to King George III. This meant he was a close attendant to the King. He held this important role until his death.
When the leader of the 1st Somerset Militia died in 1798, Earl Poulett took over as Colonel. He also became the Colonel of the East Somerset Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry in 1803.
Family Life
Lord Poulett married twice and had many children.
First Marriage
In 1782, he married Sophia Pocock. She was the daughter of Admiral Sir George Pocock. John and Sophia had ten children together. One of their sons, George Poulett, later became a Vice-Admiral in the navy.
Their daughter, Lady Sophia Poulett, married Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland. Another daughter, Lady Mary Poulett, married Lord Charles Somerset.
Second Marriage
Sophia passed away in January 1811. A few years later, in 1816, Lord Poulett married Margaret Burges. She was the widow of Sir John Smith-Burges.
John Poulett died in January 1819, when he was 62 years old. His eldest son, also named John, inherited his title and became the 5th Earl Poulett. Countess Poulett, his second wife, passed away in 1838.
Images for kids
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The family crest of the Poulett family.
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Margaret Smith-Burgess, a portrait by George Romney.
